David Mark Melton

Dave Melton, 80, died peacefully in the home he shared with the love of his life, Crystal Ann Melton, in San Antonio, TX.

Dave was born in Eleele on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. Moving with the military, Dave and his parents lived in various cities, including Okinawa, Japan and Santa Rosa, CA before settling in San Diego when he was still young. He graduated from Saint Augustine High School, where he was a standout baseball player. This earned him an athletic scholarship to University of San Diego where he played baseball for two years, and then transferred to San Diego State University to finish his degree in Elementary Education.

Dave went on to teach 5th grade for the San Diego Unified School District for 37 years. He was a much beloved teacher both by his co-workers and the children he taught. He eventually earned a master's degree in Education at National University and went on to be a professor there, guiding educators on teaching methodology.

For decades, Dave also officiated baseball, football, and basketball at the High School and Collegiate levels. He was a member of the San Diego County Football Officials Association and the San Diego County Umpires Association, serving as president for several years. Dave also had the opportunity to be the home plate umpire for a San Diego Padres game when the MLB umpires went on strike. Many of his lifelong friends he met while officiating. Dave also worked on the press level of the San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium, running the clock for Chargers games.

He was a little league coach for his twin sons, and he loved to fish with both of his sons and daughter, often going to Lake Murray or Lake Poway. He also enjoyed fishing in Northern Idaho later in life, with his adult sons Matt and Mark. He had many great fishing stories!

Dave and Crystal loved taking day trips to Ramona or Julian and were members of the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park for many years. They continued living in Rancho Bernardo after he retired. Dave loved spending time with Crystal more than anything. He was an avid reader and he read the San Diego Union- Tribune every day and watched his beloved San Diego Padres. He also enjoyed going to the casinos in and around San Diego, and to the races at Del Mar.

Wherever Dave went in San Diego, he was sure to run into someone he knew. His wit and charm made him memorable to all who had the pleasure to know him. Dave spent the last 14 months of his life in San Antonio, TX near his wife's relatives who were family, companions, and caregivers to him and Crystal.

David Melton was preceded in death by his parents William R. Melton and Jeanette A Melton; his brothers Edward (Ramona) Souza Jr. and Br. Stephen Souza; and half-brothers Walter Souza and Lester Souza.

David Melton is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Crystal Ann Melton; his children Matthew (Roni) Melton, Mark Melton and Maribeth (Jeremy) Brandt; his adopted son Andrew Melton; his grandchildren Hannah Melton and Jared Melton; Breanna Melton, Brett Melton and Cory (Leah) Melton; Ethan (McKenzie) Brandt, Sawyer Brandt and Hudson (Rafaela) Brandt; his best friends Mike and Atsuko Noblit. And his cherished chihuahua ""Mouse.""

A special thanks to Crystal Ann's son Dino and his wife Monique Canevari, who cared for him in his remaining days and ensured his financial plan goes forward caring for Crystal Ann after his death.
*Family Authorized*